High School

7 Read the examples. Complete the table with the correct modal verbs.

We can't relax at school. If we want a quiet space, we have to go to the library.

We should have gym machines so we can keep fit at break time. You don't have to work out for long, but every little helps!

| Modals | Present | Past |
|---|---|---|
| ability / permission | can / can't | could / couldn't |
| obligation | have to = must | had to |
| no obligation | don't have | didn't have to |
| prohibition | mustn't | x |
| advice | should / shouldn't | should have / shouldn't have |

8 Complete the sentences with modal verbs from exercise 7. There may be more than one possible answer.

1 I didn't meet up with friends last night because I ______ study for a test.

2 I tried to chill out before the exam, but I ______ relax - I was too stressed.

3 You ______ try to get enough sleep before an exam.

4 I was glad I ______ spend time outdoors yesterday because the weather was terrible.

5 You ______ work out at the gym if you don't want to - all types of exercise are good!

6 You ______ eat too many unhealthy snacks if you want to keep fit.

Answer :

To complete the table and sentences with the correct modal verbs, we need to understand the use of modals in different contexts.

The table is partially filled in, and here's how the modals typically work:

Table Completion:

  • Ability / Permission:

    • Present: can / can't
    • Past: could / couldn't

  • Obligation:

    • Present: have to / must
    • Past: had to

  • No Obligation:

    • Present: don't have to
    • Past: didn't have to

  • Prohibition:

    • Present: mustn't
    • Past: does not typically use a modal in past* (context-dependent)

  • Advice:

    • Present: should / shouldn't
    • Past: should have / shouldn't have

Now, let's move on to completing the sentences. You can use the context clues to determine the correct modal verb.

Sentence Completion:

  1. I didn't meet up with friends last night because I had to study for a test.

    • Past obligation: "had to" is the correct modal since it reflects a necessity in the past.

  2. I tried to chill out before the exam, but I couldn't relax - I was too stressed.

    • Past ability: "couldn't" indicates an inability to relax.

  3. You should try to get enough sleep before an exam.

    • Advice: "should" is used to suggest or advise getting enough sleep.

  4. I was glad I didn't have to spend time outdoors yesterday because the weather was terrible.

    • No obligation in the past: "didn't have to" is suitable as there was no necessity to be outdoors.

  5. You don't have to work out at the gym if you don't want to - all types of exercise are good!

    • No obligation in the present: "don't have to" shows there's no requirement to work out.

  6. You shouldn't eat too many unhealthy snacks if you want to keep fit.

    • Advice: "shouldn't" is used to advise against eating unhealthy snacks.

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